Patents Issued in May 24, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120125111
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the destruction-free testing of metallic pipes, in particular seamlessly produced steel pipes, in which method the entire length of the pipe is scanned following the circumference precisely and in this case, in addition to the wall thickness (WD) and the external diameter (Da) being determined, the inner and outer surfaces of the pipe are examined for faults, the faults determined in this process are compared with a predefined permissible reference fault depth RFT (RFT=fault threshold of×% of the nominal wall thickness), the pipes are sent to reworking means if the fault threshold is exceeded, and a requisite minimum wall thickness (WDmin) has to be present in the reworked region after the processing has been carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: V & M Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Groos, Stefan Nitsche
  • Publication number: 20120125112
    Abstract: A pressure transmitter includes a sensor assembly having a hollow body housing a pressure sensor. The pressure transmitter also includes a support body which is made of a first material, and an interface body which is connected to the support body and which is made of a second material different from the first material. A first isolation diaphragm is fixed onto the interface body and is made of the same material of the interface body. The first isolation diaphragm is in fluid communication with the pressure sensor and is configured for interfacing with a process fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Eugenio VOLONTERIO, Rossano MARCHESI
  • Publication number: 20120125113
    Abstract: A pressure transducer includes a substrate, a piezoresistive element, a first conductive element, a first terminal, and a test structure. The substrate has a surface and a cavity. A diaphragm layer is formed over the cavity and over the surface of the substrate. The piezoresistive element is formed in the diaphragm layer. The first conductive element is formed in the diaphragm layer, and has a first conductivity type. The first conductive element is coupled to the piezoresistive element. The first terminal is formed over a surface of the diaphragm layer and coupled to the first conductive element. The test structure has the first conductivity type and is formed in the diaphragm layer. The test structure has an edge spaced apart from an edge of the first conductive element by a predetermined distance. A surface charge accumulation on the diaphragm layer is detected using the test structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: LIANJUN LIU, Chad S. Dawson, Bernhard H. Grote, Woo Tae Park
  • Publication number: 20120125114
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sensors including pressure sensors. In some cases, the pressure sensor may include a membrane or diaphragm, multiple sense elements connected to one another in a bridge configuration and positioned on the membrane, and an amplifier coupled to an output of the bridge configuration and having an output, where the diaphragm, sense elements and amplifier may be formed on a singled substrate or formed integrally therewith, or both. In one example, the pressure sensor may sense a particular range of pressures applied to the sensor, and/or may include an amplifier that has a selectable gain for amplifying an output of the bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Carl Stewart, Alistair Bradley, Lamar Ricks
  • Publication number: 20120125115
    Abstract: There are provided embodiments of a sensing device that comprise a sensing element, a substrate, and a bonding element, each being selected for environments that utilize caustic working fluids such as automotive fuel. Material for use as the bonding element can form molecular bonds with ceramics and glass. In one embodiment, the sensing device comprises a receptacle or cavity, in which are located the sensing element and the bonding element. This configuration facilitates the formation of bonds between the bonding element and each of the sensing element and a peripheral wall of the cavity. Such bonds are configured in a tensile bonding area and a shear bonding area, the combination of which is useful to secure the sensing element in the cavity. The sensing device can further comprise a seal such as an o-ring disposed in annular relation to the substrate to seal the sensing device to a peripheral device such as a fluid fitting, which may be found in a fuel system of an automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Allen ENGLE, Matthew Ingco, Chris Wagner
  • Publication number: 20120125116
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring apparatus for measuring a measurement variable of a fluid, in particular a sensor, such as a pressure sensor or a travel sensor. The measuring apparatus has a housing, a diaphragm which is arranged in and/or on the housing and an elastic element, which is designed in the manner of a leaf spring, for restoring the diaphragm. A signal transmitter is operatively connected to the diaphragm and/or to the elastic element, and a signal receiver interacts with the signal transmitter. Structures for providing reinforcement are arranged in the edge region and/or in the center of the elastic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Marquardt Mechatronik GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar WEISSER, Benjamin SCHULLCKE, Heinrich MÜLLER, Markus SCHEITER
  • Publication number: 20120125117
    Abstract: A micromechanical component includes: an adjustable element connected to a holder at least via a spring; a first sensor device with at least one first piezo-resistive sensor element, which first sensor device provides a first sensor signal relating to a first mechanical stress, the first piezo-resistive sensor element being situated on or in an anchoring region of the spring; and a second sensor device with at least one second piezo-resistive sensor element, which second sensor device provides a second sensor signal relating to a second mechanical stress, the second piezo-resistive sensor element being situated on or in an anchoring region of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Frederic Njikam Njimonzie, Wolfram Schock, Joerg Muchow, Zoltan Lestyan
  • Publication number: 20120125118
    Abstract: A system for detection of stress and deformation in a structural asset, for instance, one of reinforced concrete. An area on the asset may have a structure interface, such as a patch, attached to it with a fastening mechanism which may be a layer of an epoxy or other material, or be items such as screws, bolts, welds, or the like. One or more surface acoustic wave (SAW) strain sensors may be attached to the interface with an adhesive layer of epoxy or other material, or with mechanical items. Stress may be transmitted by the interface to the strain sensors. The sensors may be interrogated with a wire or wireless reader to obtain strain measurements. The measurements may indicate stress and deformations such as bulges and breaks in the asset. The measurements may also be a basis for determining location and extent of the stress and deformations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Cornel Cobianu, Frank Turnbull, Ion Georgescu, Viorel Avramescu
  • Publication number: 20120125119
    Abstract: A yarn entanglement strength tester includes first and second rolls that apply incrementally increasing elongation levels on a yarn in order to remove entanglements from the yarn. The yarn entanglement strength tester also includes a third roll, where the second and third rolls apply a constant tension on the yarn which enables optimum diameter measurements of the yarn by a camera. The camera captures images of diameters of the yarn after each of the incrementally increasing elongation levels is applied to the yarn. The yarn entanglement strength tester further includes a computing device that controls operation of the camera and the first, second, and third rolls, and determines an entanglement strength of the yarn based on the captured images of the diameters of the yarn after each of the incrementally increasing elongation levels is applied to the yarn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: TESTING MACHINES, INC.
    Inventors: Dean A. ROSS, Filiz AVSAR, Kendall W. GORDON, Steven LEARY
  • Publication number: 20120125120
    Abstract: A well device can include a fluid diode having an interior surface that defines an interior chamber, and an outlet from the interior chamber, with the interior surface operable to direct fluid to rotate in a rotational direction through the outlet, and another fluid diode having an interior surface that defines an interior chamber in fluid communication with the outlet, the second interior surface operable to direct fluid to rotate in the rotational direction in response to receiving the fluid rotating in the rotational direction through the outlet. A method of controlling flow in a well can include communicating fluid through two or more fluid diodes in a flow path between an interior and an exterior of a well device in the well. Communicating the fluid through the fluid diodes can cause the fluid to rotate within the fluid diodes in a same rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Jason DYKSTRA
  • Publication number: 20120125121
    Abstract: A flowmeter for detecting gas flow rates in a pipe. The flowmeter includes a container configured to be attached to the pipe having a channel through which the gas flows, and a plurality of recesses. Each recess has a window made of metal that is in acoustic communication with the channel. The flowmeter includes a plurality of transducers, with one transducer of the plurality of transducers disposed in each recess. The transducers transmit ultrasonic signals into and receive ultrasonic signals from the channel through the window in the housing recess in which a transducer is disposed. The flowmeter includes a controller in electrical communication with the plurality of transducers which determines the gas flow rate through the channel from signals received from the transducers. A housing for an ultrasonic transducer for a flowmeter which is inserted into a recess of a container. A method for detecting gas flow rates in a pipe. A transducer for an ultrasonic flowmeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Emanuel J. Gottlieb, Donald R. Augenstein, William R. Freund, JR., Richard A. Zuckerman, Herbert Estrada, Calvin R. Hastings
  • Publication number: 20120125122
    Abstract: A flowmeter for detecting gas flow rates in a pipe includes a container configured to be attached to the pipe having a channel through which the gas flows, and a plurality of recesses that extend through the container and a plurality of housings. Each recess has a housing which contains pressure in the channel. Each housing has a window that is in acoustic communication with the channel. The flowmeter includes a plurality of transducers, with one transducer of the plurality of transducers disposed in each recess. The transducers transmit ultrasonic signals into and receive ultrasonic signals from the channel through the window in the housing in which a transducer is disposed. The flowmeter includes a controller in electrical communication with the plurality of transducers which determines the gas flow rate through the channel by measuring transit times of signals transmitted by and received by the transducers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Emanuel J. Gottlieb, Donald R. Augenstein, William R. Freund, JR., Richard A. Zuckerman, Herbert Estrada, Calvin R. Hastings
  • Publication number: 20120125123
    Abstract: A method for operating a vibrating flow meter system is provided. The method includes the step of receiving a first sensor signal from a first vibrating flow meter. A second sensor signal is received from a second vibrating flow meter. A first flow rate is generated from the first sensor signal and a second flow rate is generated from the second sensor signal. The method further includes the step of determining a differential zero offset of the first vibrating flow meter based on the first and second flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: MICRO MOTION, INC.
    Inventors: Paul J. Hays, Joel Weinstein, Goldino Alves
  • Publication number: 20120125124
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a vibrating flow meter is provided. The method comprises the steps of receiving sensor signals from the vibrating flow meter and determining a current zero offset for the vibrating flow meter. The current zero offset can be determined based on the received sensor signals. The method also comprises the step of determining one or more current operating conditions. The one or more current operating conditions can be compared to one or more previous operating conditions of the offset correlation. The method also includes the step of generating an average zero offset if the offset correlation includes a previously determined zero offset corresponding to the current operating conditions. The average zero offset can be based on the current zero offset and the previously determined zero offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Hays, Joel Weinstein
  • Publication number: 20120125125
    Abstract: A modified multi-function specimen box is provided. The modified multi-function specimen box includes a box body (1). A box cover (2) is disposed on an opening of the box body (1). A fixed rotary spindle (4) is disposed on the box cover (2). The fixed rotary spindle (4) is capable of freely rotating with respect to the box cover (2). A sampling spoon (5) is disposed at the bottom of the fixed rotary spindle (4). A filter screen (3) is disposed in an inner cavity of the box body (1) in a direction perpendicular to the box cover (2), and the filter screen (3) divides the box body (1) into a liquid addition cavity (11) and a liquid suction cavity (12). The present invention achieves the dilution, uniform mixing, and filtration of a specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Xianglong Li, Zhong Wang, Qin Wang
  • Publication number: 20120125126
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fluidic system for a flow-type particle analyzer, such as a flow cytometer or hematology analyzer, that enables adjustment of the system to compensate for changes in fluid viscosity resulting from changes in temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Amirthaganesh Subramanian
  • Publication number: 20120125127
    Abstract: A method and a device for preparing a qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples are presented. The device affords the possibility of delimiting and isolating a specific region of a solid or liquid sample. A liquid, e.g. a solvent or extracting agent, is added in the delimited and isolated region. Thereafter the created mixture of substance and liquid is, in a plug-shaped fashion, pressed out of the closed region by means of a neutral liquid or the same liquid, and supplied to the measuring instrument in the form of a highly concentrated solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: CAMAG
    Inventors: Matthias Loppacher, Eike Reich
  • Publication number: 20120125128
    Abstract: A system is provided to facilitate inspections, repairs, and other operations within vessels without human entry into the vessels, and without introducing contaminants that could reduce the purity of materials held in the vessels below predetermined minimum levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Vladimir Yliy Gershtein, Andrew James Toth, Christopher R. Butler
  • Publication number: 20120125129
    Abstract: A protective device for a test installation, the test installation being used for testing objects that have a tendency to burn and emit gas, in particular for testing lithium-ion batteries, and the test installation having a test chamber that is sealable via a door-type opening element with the interposition of a sealing element, and having a testing device configured in the test chamber for the objects. The test chamber includes a venting device for gases and is surrounded by a sealed enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Dallinger, Rudi Kaiser, Jannis Stemmann, Rainer Kern, Carsten Pipper
  • Publication number: 20120125130
    Abstract: A sensor which encompasses at least one sensing element for recording at least one measured quantity. The sensor also has one sensor body for holding the sensing element. The sensing element has at least one connecting lead. The sensor has a modular design and includes a contacting module, whose design is separate from that of the sensor body, for electrically contacting the sensing element. The contacting module has at least one connecting element and at least one connector contact pin, the connector contact pin being surrounded in at least one connection region by the connecting element. The connector contact pin is electrically connected to the connecting lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Oliver Stoll, Christian Roesser, Joerg Engelhardt
  • Publication number: 20120125131
    Abstract: A system for positioning a sensor through an inner barrier and an outer barrier includes a first collar configured for engagement with the inner or outer barriers, a collapsible coupling, and a sensor support connected to the collapsible coupling. The collapsible coupling or the sensor support is in sealing engagement with the first collar, and the first collar, collapsible coupling, and sensor support define a passage therethrough. A method for positioning a sensor includes engaging a first collar to at least one of the inner barrier or the outer barrier and inserting a sensor support connected to a collapsible coupling through the outer barrier. The method further includes connecting the sensor support or the collapsible coupling to the first collar and inserting the sensor through the sensor support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter Ping-Liang Sue, Holly Renae Davis, Tomasz Ryszard Szmigiel, Piotr Edward Kobek
  • Publication number: 20120125132
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing system for a worm engaging with a worm wheel as part of a steering gear, wherein the bearing system comprises at least one bearing with an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling bodies that are movably accommodated between the outer an inner rings, the bearing being pivotally arranged in a bearing seat for accommodating the outer ring of the bearing, and wherein the inner ring accommodates one of the two shaft ends of the worm in order to seat said shaft end of the worm radially in the housing of the steering gear. For an improved dampening of the worm at least one spring element, which exerts a spring force on a region of the outer ring of the bearing, is provided at the bearing, said spring force supporting a pivotal motion of the worm toward the worm wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: ZF Lenksysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Bernhard, Marco Garu, Ekkehard Kneer, Jens-Uwe Hafermalz, Dennis Fuechsel, Juergen Bieber, Rainer Schaenzel
  • Publication number: 20120125133
    Abstract: A lost motion cam assembly for a vehicle lock. The assembly includes a lever, pivotally mounted to the housing and movable between locked and unlocked positions. A motor drives a gear mounted to a shaft in the housing. A cam is also rotatably mounted to the shaft, and includes a pair of opposing cam arms. When a cam arm engages a first interaction surface on the lever, the lever actuates. A second interaction surface on the lever stops the cam. The cam is operably connected to the gear by a lost motion connection that defines a range of free travel of the cam relative to the gear. Manually pivoting the lever while one of the pair of cam arms is in contact with the first interaction surface on the lever causes the cam to rotate within the range of free travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Kris Tomaszewski
  • Publication number: 20120125134
    Abstract: A ball screw unit includes a screw shaft that includes a screw groove, a ball screw nut that is screwed to the screw shaft via balls and that rotates to move the screw shaft linearly in an axial direction of the screw shaft, a hollow shaft that rotates together with the ball screw nut, a housing that rotatably supports the hollow shaft via a rolling bearing, and an elastic member that is provided at a position between the rolling bearing and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Shige, Satoshi Kondo, Yasuhiro Ohta
  • Publication number: 20120125135
    Abstract: An intermediate gear device for a traction drive and/or spur gear drive of an internal combustion engine is provided, having an intermediate gear that has an at least two-track construction with a drive gear and a driven gear, an axle, and a needle bearing by which the intermediate gear is radially mounted on the axle. At least one supporting disk is provided on which the intermediate gear is axially supported, and a duct, that is connectable to the lubricant circuit of the internal combustion engine, to supply lubricant to the needle bearing. The support disk and the axle contact one another at the end faces, the mouth of the lubricant duct that opens toward the needle bearing is formed by one or more recesses on the contact surface of the support disk and/or on the contact surface of the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Tully, Peter Solfrank, Werner Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20120125136
    Abstract: A device for producing a shifting force or a selection force in a manual-shift transmission for a motor vehicle. The device comprises a contour element (12) and a contour-following element that co-operates with the contour element (12), one of which is deflected against the force of a spring during shifting or selection movement of a manual-shift lever. The device comprises a contour control arrangement which is in drive connection with the manual-shift lever and which comprises a second contour element (14) and a second contour-following element (18) whose element, that is deflected during a shifting or a selection movement of the manual-shift lever, actuates a friction brake (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Philipp Werdin
  • Publication number: 20120125137
    Abstract: A method and system for a shaft coupling assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first coupling half coupled to a distal end of a first shaft wherein the first coupling half includes one or more projections extending away from the first coupling half. The shaft coupling assembly also includes a second coupling half coupled to a distal end of a second shaft wherein the second coupling half includes a media configured to matingly engage the one or more projections in an axial direction, the projections include a relatively large length to width ratio, the media displaces orthogonally to the insertion direction an amount sufficient to facilitate the insertion for each individual projection while substantially preventing gross movement of all of the projections in total such that a linear force or torque applied to one coupling half is transmitted through the mated projections and media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Arthur N. Maupin
  • Publication number: 20120125138
    Abstract: A torque sensing system having a torque sensor, and a steering system, are provided. The torque sensor includes a first rotor having apertures extending therethrough and bar magnets disposed in the apertures. The torque sensor further includes a second rotor defining an interior region with the first rotor being disposed in the interior region. The second rotor has tooth members extending toward the first rotor. The torque sensor further includes first and second Hall effect sensors disposed in an open region of the second rotor proximate to the first rotor. The first and second Hall effect sensors generate first and second signals, respectively, indicative of an amount of torque applied between the first rotor and the second rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mohammad S. Islam, Mohammed Rakibul Islam, Matthew Mielke, Christian E. Ross, Scott Blehm
  • Publication number: 20120125139
    Abstract: A telescope lock mechanism for a steering column includes a plurality of column teeth operably connected to the steering column and an adjustment lever operably connected to the steering column to allow user adjustment of a position of the steering column. A locking bolt extends from the adjustment lever, and a cam is located at the locking bolt and rotatable thereon. The cam includes one or more tab features interactive with the locking bolt such that rotation of the locking bolt engages the tab features with the locking bolt to drive rotation of the cam between a locked and unlocked position. The tab further includes a plurality of cam teeth meshable with the plurality of column teeth when the cam is in a locked position. A spring is operably connected to the cam to maintain the cam position in the locked and/or unlocked position when the cam is rotated thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Melvin Lee Tinnin, Kevin M. Burns, John Frank Schulz, Richard K. Riefe
  • Publication number: 20120125140
    Abstract: A telescope lock mechanism for a steering column includes a plurality of strap teeth located at an upper jacket of the steering column, each strap tooth of the plurality of strap teeth having a strap tooth peak. A plurality of lock teeth are located at a lower jacket of the steering column. The plurality of locking teeth are rotatably secured at the lower jacket, such that when the plurality of locking teeth are rotated into an engaged position with the plurality of strap teeth, a plurality of lock teeth peaks are substantially non-parallel to the strap tooth peaks of the plurality of strap teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Robert Ridgway, Melvin Lee Tinnin, Kevin M. Burns
  • Publication number: 20120125141
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle drive control system (1), such as a car, a boat, an aircraft and like, or of a driving simulator, such as a videogame console, simulation apparatuses and like, and with a direction control device (2), such as a steering wheel, a rudder or like, and with directioning means (21?, 22?, 21?. 22?), said system (1) being characterised in that it comprises means (6) for detecting position of said direction control device (2), an adjustment module (7, 7?, 7?) having a frame, mechanically coupled with said direction control device (2), provided with passive actuator and adjustment means (8?, 8?, 8a, 8a?, 8b, 8b?) by which it is suitable to adjust resistance to the movement of said direction control device (2), one or more sensors (27) for detection of position of said directioning means (21?, 22?, 21?.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Palmarix Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Rosenmaier, Jan Klindworth
  • Publication number: 20120125142
    Abstract: An acceleration pedal for a vehicle includes a pedal arm where a pedal is connected and that is rotatably mounted; a straight actuator that presses pedal arm in a return direction by moving straight; and a controller that controls straight actuator. Therefore, according to the acceleration pedal for a vehicle, it is possible to not only generate mechanical or electric signals to transmit driver's intention of acceleration to a power generator, but allow the driver to safely and economically drive and send specific signals to the driver by applying active action to the acceleration pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Donghee Industrial Co., Ltd., Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Eunsik Kim, Yangrae Cho, Jongsang Noh, Jonggeun Cha
  • Publication number: 20120125143
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable lever assembly with a lever having an adjustment section and a grip section, where the adjustment section includes a slide passage in communication with an adjuster passage, and an adjuster positioned at least partially inside the adjuster passage, the adjuster having a threaded inner passage extending therethrough. The adjustable lever assembly further includes a slide positioned substantially inside the slide passage, the slide including an outer wall surface that is keyed to the slide passage and a threaded outer portion for rotatably engaging the threaded inner passage of the adjuster, wherein rotation of the adjuster translates the slide about the adjuster passage, and wherein the slide includes a bottom portion configured for securing pivotally to a pushrod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: HB PERFORMANCE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: John Larry Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120125144
    Abstract: Jacks and handle systems for jacks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a jack includes a base, a pivotable handle sleeve, a lifting portion, coupling structure affixed to at least one of the base and the lifting portion, and a first elongate rigid member. The coupling structure defines a passageway extending generally perpendicular to the base and an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The first elongate rigid member has proximal and distal ends, and the distal end of the first elongate rigid member is configured to interact with the pivotable handle sleeve to actuate the lifting portion. The distal end is also configured to pass through the passageway and interact with the opening to operatively couple the first elongate rigid member to the lifting portion apart from the pivotable handle sleeve such that the first elongate rigid member extends generally perpendicularly to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Kam Kuen Addy Law, Mark Yueh
  • Publication number: 20120125145
    Abstract: The present invention is a pivotable handlebar stem apparatus comprised of a clamp body, a cam lock, and a positioning component. The clamp body fits around a handlebar stem or portion of the handlebars of a bicycle. When the cam lock is unlocked and the positioning component is disengaged, the handlebars may be rotated from a riding position to a parked position for convenient storage, transport and parking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Claude VanderVeen
  • Publication number: 20120125146
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a connecting rod including: a) manufacturing an inner body; b) adding one end of the inner body to the end of the reduced outer diameter of each end piece, said end of the inner body resting on the shoulder of the end piece; (c) inserting a first portion of a second mandrel in the hollow cylindrical portion of each end piece and placing a driving bit at the free end of a second portion of the second mandrel; d) winding said pre-impregnated fibres onto the outer surface of an assembly consisting of the inner body, the end piece(s) and the second part(s) of the second mandrel(s) which are free of bits, said fibres then forming an outer body; e) after removing the bit(s), polymerising the inner body and the outer body to form a polymerised integral body; f) removing the second mandrel(s) and cutting the polymerised integral body to the required length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: BD Invent
    Inventors: Benoît Boveroux, Daniel Dardenne
  • Publication number: 20120125147
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal is provided with a pedal spindle, a pedal body, a cleat engagement member and an actuation member. The pedal body is rotatably mounted on the pedal spindle. The cleat engagement member is movably mounted relative to the pedal body between a release position and an engagement position. The cleat engagement member is biased towards the release position. The actuation member is mechanically connected to the cleat engagement member. The actuation member is movably mounted relative to the pedal body from a first position to a second position such that the actuation member moves the cleat engagement member from the release position to the engagement position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Akira INOUE
  • Publication number: 20120125148
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal is provided with a pedal spindle, a pedal body, a first cleat engagement member and a positioning member. The pedal body is rotatably mounted on the pedal spindle. The cleat engagement member is movably mounted to the pedal body between a release position and an engagement position. The positioning member is movably coupled relative to the pedal body between a first position and a second position. The positioning member moves the first cleat engagement member to the release position while the positioning member is moving from the second position to the first position. The positioning member moves the first cleat engagement member to the engagement position while the positioning member is moving from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Akira INOUE
  • Publication number: 20120125149
    Abstract: A motor starter includes a housing having an exterior surface and an interior surface that defines an interior portion, a field coil mounted to the interior surface of the housing, and an armature is supported within the housing and rotatable relative to the field coil. The armature includes a shaft having an exterior surface and a hollow interior. A commutator is operatively connected to the shaft, and a drive system is arranged within the hollow interior of the shaft. The drive system includes a gear system. An output shaft is operatively connected to the gear system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: REMY TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Balazs Palfai, Attila Nagy
  • Publication number: 20120125150
    Abstract: A gearbox includes an input shaft connected to a rotor hub, an output shaft connected to a generator, and a first gear wheel rotation-locked to the input shaft and arranged inside a gearbox housing. A second gear wheel arranged inside the gearbox housing and meshing with the first gear wheel or coupled thereto via one or more additional gear wheels is rotation-locked to the output shaft. A flange radially surrounds the input shaft and/or the output shaft and has a circumferential groove on a side facing the input shaft and/or output shaft. An annular tubular sealing element made from an elastic material is fixed in the circumferential groove and can be expanded by an increase in the internal pressure. An intermediate space between the input shaft and/or output shaft and the circumferential groove is thus completely sealed by the sealing element when expanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Winergy AG
    Inventor: Ralf Martin Dinter
  • Publication number: 20120125151
    Abstract: An integrated steelmaking plant design is disclosed for efficiently merging the continuous operation of a reduction reactor producing hot DRI with the batch operation of at least one DRI melting furnace. The direct reduction reactor is adapted for producing hot DRI for its consumption in a DRI melting furnace or for producing cold DRI when the continuous production of DRI will exceed the DRI consumption rate of the melting furnace or when it suffers long-term operational delays. The reduction reactor has a DRI cooling zone within the same reactor vessel which is selectively operable for cooling the DRI in the same reactor vessel when the hot DRI produced in said reactor will not be consumed by the DRI melting furnace and when the capacity of the hot DRI bin feeding the melting furnace is insufficient to accumulate the amount of hot DRI which will not be consumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Jorge Octavio Becerra-Novoa, Ronald Victor Manuel Lopez-Gomez, Alessandro Martinis, Andrea Tavano
  • Publication number: 20120125152
    Abstract: An electric arc melting facility includes a melting chamber configured to melt a source iron therein by an electrode, and a shaft-shaped preheating chamber directly connected to the melting chamber. The preheating chamber includes a bottom surface inclined downward toward the melting chamber. A shaft opening dimension is set to an optimum value for controlling the supply of the source iron. A pushing device is disposed at a lower side of the preheating chamber and configured to move the source iron toward the melting chamber. The supply of the source iron from the preheating chamber to the melting chamber is performed by operating the pushing device. The supply of the source iron from the preheating chamber to the melting chamber is stopped by halting the operation of the pushing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: JP Steel Plantech Co.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20120125153
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to the extraction of rare earth elements and heavy metals from geothermal fluids used in geothermal electrical production. The invention provides systems and methods for extracting these elements from hydrothermal products by the application of one or more forces that affect different components of a condensate differently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: SHALE AND SANDS OIL RECOVERY LLC
    Inventor: Thomas B. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20120125154
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of making Sn-MCx-C and Sb-MOx-C nanostructured anode compositions that exhibit excellent capacity retention with high capacity and rate capability that alleviate the volume expansion encountered with alloy anodes during the charge-discharge process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Arumugam Manthiram, Sukeun Yoon
  • Publication number: 20120125155
    Abstract: A method and a device for recovering hydrogen pulverized powder of a raw-material alloy for rare-earth magnets capable of lowering a possibility that hydrogen pulverized powder after hydrogen was pulverized remains in a recovery chamber and capable of enhancing magnetic properties by reducing an amount of oxygen of an obtained rare-earth magnet, a processing container 50 is carried into a recovery chamber 40 from a processing chamber through a carry-in port after inert gas was introduced into the recovery chamber 40 by inert gas introducing means 12, the raw-material alloy for rare-earth magnets in the processing container 50 is discharged into the recovery chamber 40 after the pressure in the recovery chamber 40 was reduced by evacuating means 33 and thereafter, inert gas is introduced into the recovery chamber 40 by inert gas introducing means 12, and the raw-material alloy for rare-earth magnets is recovered into the recovery container 50 from an discharge port 40a after a pressure in the recovery chamber
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shoji Nakayama, Kazuhiro Sonoda, Jyunichi Sanai
  • Publication number: 20120125156
    Abstract: Methods for producing silver nanostructures with improved dimensional control, yield, purity, monodispersity, and scale of synthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
    Inventors: Younan Xia, Sang-Hyuk Im, Yun Tack Lee, Yugang Sun, Benjamin Wiley
  • Publication number: 20120125157
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing direct reduced iron (DRI), also known as sponge iron, by means of direct contact of iron oxides with a stream of recycled and regenerated hot reducing gases containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The invention provides a way for decreasing the uncontained emission of CO2 to the atmosphere produced by combustion of carbon-bearing fuels in the reducing gas heater by substituting, at least partially, a gas stream mainly composed of hydrogen in lieu of the usual carbon-bearing fuels. The hydrogen fuel stream, depleted of CO2 by means of a physical gas separation unit (which can be a PSA/VPSA type adsorption unit, a gas separation membrane unit or combination of PSA/VPSA unit and a gas separation membrane unit) is derived from at least a portion of a stream of regenerated reducing gases being recycled to the reduction reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicants: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche, S.P.A, HYL Technologies, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Pablo Enrique Duarte-Escareño, Engenio Zendejas-Martinez, Andrea Tavano, Alessandro Martinis, Omar Della Gaspera
  • Publication number: 20120125158
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new more environmentally friendly method for the recovery of uranium from pregnant liquor solutions that comprise high levels of chloride by using an amino phosphonic functionalized resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Areski Rezkallah
  • Publication number: 20120125159
    Abstract: A process for reducing iron oxide to metallic iron using coke oven gas (COG), including: a direct reduction shaft furnace for providing off gas; a COG source for injecting COG into a reducing gas stream including at least a portion of the off gas; and the direct reduction shaft furnace reducing iron oxide to metallic iron using the reducing gas stream and injected COG. The COG has a temperature of about 1,200 degrees C. or greater upon injection. The COG has a CH4 content of between about 2% and about 13%. Preferably, the COG is reformed COG. Optionally, the COG is fresh hot COG. The COG source includes a partial oxidation system. Optionally, the COG source includes a hot oxygen burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: MIDREX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Gary E. METIUS, James M. MCCLELLAND, JR., David C. MEISSNER
  • Publication number: 20120125160
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for removing dissolved or colloidal silica from a pregnant leach solution (“PLS”). More particularly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a, process which mixes PLS with an acid source, preferably lean electrolyte, to induce formation of colloidal silica that can then be collected and removed. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one silica seeding agent is added to induce formation of colloidal silica, at least one flocculant is added to induce aggregation of the colloidal silica, and a solid-liquid separation process is utilized to remove advantageous amounts or substantially all of the colloidal silica, thereby providing relief from supersaturation of dissolved silica in the metal recovery processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: FREEPORT-MCMORAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: James D Gillaspie, David R. Baughman, Dennis D. Gertenbach, Wayne W. Hazen, George Owusu, John C Wilmot